Scottish Ice Hockey hosted its first recreational tournament in three years at Dumfries Ice Bowl last weekend.
Ten teams from across the country took part in the event, which featured some highly competitive matches.
Tracy Dawson and her team of assistants signalled the start of the action, with Dundee Wildcats and Aberdeen Predators kicking off proceedings early on Saturday morning.
The Wildcats came out on top with a fine 2-0 victory to give themselves a great chance of progressing to the semi-finals.
Other notable results on the opening day saw the Mariners defeat Belfast Foxes 2-1 and Glasgow Mustangs record a fine 4-1 win against Inverness Hurricanes.
It was another early start the following day as Coatbridge Redwings went head-to-head with Lowland Raiders. The Redwings ran out 2-1 winners.
Following the remainder of the games in the group stage, we were left with four semi-finalists – Dundee Pirates, Dundee Wildcats, Mariners and Carnegie Skyhawks.
The Pirates progressed to the final with an edgy 2-0 victory against their local rivals, while the Mariners triumphed 3-2 after a shoot-out against the Skyhawks.
A special mention to the Skyhawks’ Gavin Finlayson, who fell awkwardly in the game and was treated by paramedics. Thankfully he is okay, and we wish him a speedy recovery.
The east versus west final was a rerun of the earlier group match which saw the Pirates claim a 2-0 victory.
The Mariners started well and opened the scoring early in the first period before some good work by the experienced Pirates saw them pull level.
It was end-to-end for most of the game, with both goalies keeping their opponents at bay. The Pirates struck next to lead 2-1 and started to turn up the heat.
However, the Mariners found their rhythm again and scored a great equaliser halfway through the second period.
With five minutes remaining, captain Ross Dykes took a slapshot from near the halfway line which flew into the net to put the Mariners ahead.
Despite coming under constant pressure for the last few minutes, the Mariners held firm until the final buzzer to record their first national tournament win.
All teams showed fantastic sportsmanship throughout the event, and the standard of hockey was a great advert for the sport. Well done to all teams involved and enjoy the off-season.
- Player of the Tournament – Josh Whyte – Dundee Pirates
- Defenceman of the Tournament – Graeme Carstairs – Dundee Wildcats
- Top Points – Jamie Reed – Carnegie Skyhawks – 10 points (8+2)
- Netminder of the Tournament – Stuart Sinclair – Dundee Pirates
- Fair Play Award – Coatbridge Redwings
